Caerphilly Castle

Castell Caerffili

One of Britain's most impressive medieval castles with enormous moated walls and towers set in scenic parkland north of Cardiff. It's a must-see fortress that rivals any castle in Wales for scale and dramatic presence.

Things to do

• Explore the Inner Ward — Walk through the castle's main courtyard and examine the well-preserved stone towers, gatehouses, and residential buildings that showcase medieval military architecture.
• Climb the East Tower — Ascend one of the castle's most iconic towers for panoramic views across the moat, parkland, and surrounding Caerphilly town.
• Walk the Moat Perimeter — Circumnavigate the massive water-filled moat that surrounds the castle, one of the finest examples of moated fortifications in Europe.
• Visit the Castle Museum — View exhibitions on the castle's 13th-century history, medieval weaponry, and archaeological finds from ongoing excavations inside the gatehouse.
• Picnic in the Parkland — Enjoy a meal in the scenic grounds surrounding the castle, which offer open green spaces perfect for families and relaxation.
• Photograph from the Western Platform — Capture dramatic views of the castle's reflected towers and fortifications from the designated vantage point west of the main entrance.

Food to try

• Welsh Cakes — Sample the traditional sweet griddle cakes studded with currants and dusted with sugar, widely available at the castle café and local Caerphilly vendors.
• Caerphilly Cheese — Taste the famous crumbly white cheese produced locally in Caerphilly since the 13th century, available at the castle shop and nearby cheese makers.
• Bara Brith — Try this spiced fruit teabread made with dried fruit soaked in tea, commonly served with afternoon tea at the castle's refreshment facilities.
• Welsh Lamb Cawl — Enjoy this traditional hearty stew of lamb, potatoes, leeks, and root vegetables at local restaurants in Caerphilly town near the castle.

Local customs & good to know

• Plan for Welsh Heritage — Many signs and information panels are bilingual in Welsh and English, reflecting the site's importance to Welsh cultural identity and Cadw's commitment to the language.
• Check Opening Times in Winter — The castle has restricted winter hours and occasional closures for maintenance, so verify access times before visiting between November and March.
• Respect the Moat Boundaries — The moat is protected and historic; visitors should remain on designated paths and not attempt to cross or disturb the water features that are integral to the castle's defense system.